9 days in Santa Marta & Cartagena Itinerary

Many visitors begin their Santa Marta holiday, surrounded by urban clutter and heavy traffic, expecting little from the city in terms of historical importance.

Get in touch with nature at Scuba & Snorkeling and Playa Blanca. Your cultural itinerary includes sights like Quinta de San Pedro Alejandrino and Catedral de Santa Marta. Change things up with these side-trips from Santa Marta: Iglesia San Jose (in Aracataca) and Museo del Cacao de Minca (in Minca). There's lots more to do: kick back and relax at Cristal Beach, stroll through Parque de Los Novios, and contemplate the long history of Paseo El Camellon.

To find traveler tips, maps, and more tourist information, refer to the Santa Marta trip itinerary maker website.

Bucaramanga to Santa Marta is an approximately 5.5-hour combination of flight and bus. You can also drive; or take a bus. Expect somewhat warmer temperatures when traveling from Bucaramanga in December; daily highs in Santa Marta reach 39°C and lows reach 28°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 27th (Thu) early enough to drive to Cartagena.

The site of the continent's first Spanish colony, Cartagena retains much of its colonial flavor thanks to a World Heritage-listed old town, encircled by old walls and protected by imposing fortresses.

Get in touch with nature at Playa Blanca and Scuba & Snorkeling. Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas and Walled City of Cartagena will appeal to history buffs. There's lots more to do: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Convent of Santa Cruz de la Popa, admire the striking features of Las Bovedas, make a trip to Torre del Reloj, and pause for some photo ops at Monumento a Los Zapatos Viejos.

For maps, other places to visit, ratings, and other tourist information, refer to the Cartagena trip builder.

You can drive from Santa Marta to Cartagena in 3.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus. In December, daily temperatures in Cartagena can reach 37°C, while at night they dip to 28°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 1st (Tue) to allow enough time to travel back home.